Hemlock Sawdust Days celebrate 40th year Sept 14-16

By Jeanne Marcello

Staff Reporter

The Classic K9 Show returns to Hemlock Sawdust Days this year after drawing a big crowd in its first year. Featured dogs showcase their talents, like this Frisbee enthusiast.
Photos by Jeanne Marcello HEMLOCK – The Hemlock Sawdust Days festival rolls into town for the event’s 40th year with lots of live entertainment, games, food and fun. The Great Lakes Lumberjack Show returns with its popular logging demonstrations and comedy shows twice-a-day both Saturday and Sunday in Richland Township Park.

Most Sawdust Days events take place in Richland Township Park where festival goers will find the farmers market, Chinese Auction, Maple Grille Entertainment Tent, petting zoo, Tri- City Bubble, Trout Pond, inflatable amusements for the kids, games, the Car and Tractor Show, crafts and other vendor booths.

There are several special shows and events in the park. On Saturday, the Classic K9 Dog Show, chainsaw demonstrations, Penny Scramble and Cake Walk offer something for all ages. On Sunday, after church in the park, families can bring their young children over to the south parking lot for the free Touch-a-Truck and Trunk or Treat events made just for them.

Some events are held outside the park including the Sawdust Days Parade, Tractor Pull at the Andersons’ grain elevator, the Cub Run 5K race at the high school, the Habitat for Humanity truck at the Richland Township Museum and the Farmers Breakfast at Hemlock United Methodist Church, corner of M-46 and Maple St.

On Saturday of Sawdust Days, the Hemlock United Methodist Church serves up the Farmers Breakfast. It’s a Sawdust Days tradition that keeps bringing folks back year after year. This year, the Richland Township Historical Society will have a table at the church breakfast to sell its festival buttons.

The Great Lakes Lumberjack Show blends lumberjack skills, history and humor; which is why they’re back by popular demand. After breakfast, the Hemlock Sawdust Days Parade kicks off from the middle school at 10 a.m. Then immediately following the parade, tractor lovers head over to the Andersons grain elevator for some exciting tractor pull action. Meanwhile, back at Richland Township Park, the Classic Car and Tractor Show is held near the soccer fields.

In the park, the Maple Grille Entertainment Tent is the place to go for music, dancing and contests daily. The tent opens Friday, Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. with a cover charge starting at 7 p.m. At 8 p.m., Steve Armstrong and the 25 Cent Beer Band kicks off the musical entertainment followed by the Sawdust Days 40th Celebration festivities.

On Saturday, Sept. 15, the entertainment tent offers a full day of music and fun; starting with the local band Cornpone at 11 a.m. Other entertainers include the Valley Rhythm Cloggers, the Saginaw Ukulele Gurus and Rookies (S.U.G.A.R.), Slick Jimmy, and the Square Pegz. Saturday is 80s night at the festival, from 5 p.m. until midnight. Dress up totally 80s for fun.

The Sawdust Days Parade is Saturday morning, starting at 10 a.m. Pictured here, the Hemlock Boy Scout Troop #337 marches in the parade.
Photos by Jeanne Marcello On Sunday, Sept. 16, the tent opens at 10 a.m. with church in the park, followed by games for all ages; including free team trivia. Prizes awarded.

On Friday and Saturday nights, the entertainment tent closes out with the official Sawdust Days after party at Jenn’s Place from 11 p.m. until 2 a.m.

Check out the official Sawdust Days schedule in this section. For more information about Sawdust Days, visit the website at www.hemlocksawdustdays.com or look for Hemlock Sawdust Days on Facebook.

On Sunday starting at noon, children are invited to Touch-A-Truck at the Richland Township south parking lot. While there, they can also participate in Trunk-Or-Treat; costumes optional. Both events are free and designed for the youngest Sawdust Day participants.